Boost for Pine Martens in South West woodlands

A coalition of leading conservation groups has been awarded a £1.2 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore woodlands in South West England by reintroducing the pine marten, a native animal that has been absent from the area for 150 years.

The Two Moors Pine Marten Project will focus on Dartmoor and Exmoor, aiming to bring back around 40 pine martens over the next two years. 

These animals, sourced from healthy populations in Scotland, will be released at carefully chosen locations. 

The exact timing of these releases remains to be announced.

The initiative, led by the Devon Wildlife Trust, includes a partnership of seven organisations: Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, and Woodland Trust.

The project not only targets wildlife restoration but also seeks to involve the community through various activities.

An extensive three-year program will involve thousands of people in efforts to support the reintroduction and woodland restoration. Opportunities for community involvement include:

• Woodland and hedgerow creation and restoration
• Citizen science projects where participants monitor pine marten behaviour and other wildlife
• Nature-themed activities and events near release sites
• Small grants for community projects promoting local wildlife.
• Free digital resources about pine martens and woodlands, including wildlife spotter sheets and self-guided discovery trails

Additionally, the project emphasises creating volunteer and traineeship opportunities for young people, helping them gain conservation experience.

Ed Parr Ferris, Conservation Manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The return of pine martens to the South West of England is an exciting development and follows other successful reintroductions of the animal in the Forest of Dean and Wales. This project will ensure that people from lots of different backgrounds are able to play a part in the return of pine martens and to celebrate our region’s wonderful woodlands.”

Alex Raeder, South West Landscapes Partnerships Manager at the National Trust,said : “The National Trust is delighted to be a partner in this project that will bring back a beautiful and charismatic animal to the woodlands of the South West, lost from our landscape since the nineteenth century. We hope this will inspire a wide range of people in nature restoration and we will be creating lots of opportunities for participation in projects like citizen science as part of our strategy for a restored and nature-rich countryside in the South West of England.”

Eleanor Lewis, Woodland Trust’s Outreach Manager for the South West, said: “The feasibility study as part of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project development phase has given us the confidence that woodlands across the Two Moors are suitable for these releases. Introducing pine martens will support the woodland ecosystem, and we look forward to working with landowners to manage woodlands and hedges to encourage wildlife, including the pine marten.”

Stuart McLeod, Director for London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund,said: “We are delighted to be supporting a project which will not only see the reintroduction of pine martens to the South West but inspire local communities to enjoy and care for their woodlands. This is an important initiative that fits with our ambition to help habitats and species thrive, reducing and mitigating the impacts of climate change, while helping people connect to our unique natural heritage.”